Insect repellents should be used when outside, and you should follow the directions for the repellent. It must contain at least 20% DEET and be EPA-registered. The CDC lists but does not recommend any particular brand. The higher the percentage of DEET (up to 50%), the longer it lasts. Be sure to reapply as instructed on the label directions.
Picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 can also be used for mosquitoes, but not ticks or bugs.
Sunscreen should be applied first and allowed to dry before applying repellent. The CDC does not recommend products that contain both sunscreen and repellent.
Children should have repellent applied by adults so that they do not get it on their hands and then put their hands in their mouths. Repellents cannot be used on babies under two months of age. Instead, drape a mosquito net tightly over their carrier or stroller. Children under three years old cannot use lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol. Repellents are safe for pregnant and nursing individuals if used correctly.
Figure 40. Public health domain. (2016). Image #20522. While standing in an outdoor environment, the pregnant woman depicted here, was in the process of applying a mosquito repellant to any exposed skin. Application of repellants will help to protect her from being bitten by a possible mosquito disease vector, and in turn, her unborn baby from a vector-borne disease, including Zika virus. Here, she was spraying the repellant into her hand, which she would then apply to sensitive areas such as her face and neck. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=20522
